"Vexed" funding issues

Construction begins on northern beaches sea wall despite ‘vexed’ funding issues

Great word "vexed".

Above was the headline in Feb this year in our major regional paper (Sydney Morning Herald).  The beach (Collaroy) comes to prominence in the world's media every decade or so when we get spectacular images of the front gardens, and sometimes structures, being swallowed up by the Pacific Ocean.

I have mixed feelings about this whenever it happens - some (not all) residents cry foul.  "But... but... but... Surely you researched into the property before you bought it, idyllic as it is?"  Truth is most of them probably did.  And apparently the wall that is now being built (the most substantial attempt made to date as far as I can tell) is being largely funded by the residents.  The 'vexed' part of the funding is that not all of them can afford it.

Anyway, back in my immediate world, I took this from the beach in front of South Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club which I believe will also be getting the new wall.  We were there to met up with two friends who are about to leave Australia!  Why would anyone want to leave Australia at the moment?!

As many of you probably know, it's very difficult to get into Australia (or New Zealand) at the moment.  What I didn't realize was that it's also quite hard to leave. We have to get an exemption.  I'm guessing the reason is because there are already so many Australians overseas wanting to get back who can't.

Very sad to see them go, as they're likely to be away for two years.  One of them is keen to join blip so looking forward to their blips from exotic climes.